EU, TRAVEL INDUSTRY SEEK TO HARMONISE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

 Cyprus Mail 10 September 2020 - by Andrew Rosenbaum

The European Tourism Manifesto, an alliance of more than 60 trade organisations and private companies in the tourism sector, has called on Member States to urgently agree to harmonised travel restrictions, so that safe travel throughout the EU again becomes possible.

 The move follows the EU Commission’s announcement last Friday proposing a set of recommendations to prevent discriminatory measures applied by member states in a new attempt to harmonise fragmented COVID-19 travel restrictions across the bloc.

The Commission has re-released a new website, “Reopen EU” (first opened in June, but now upgraded)

(https://reopen.europa.eu/en ) which provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on travel restrictions by country. “This interactive tool provides you with the information that you need to confidently plan your European travel and holidays, while staying healthy and safe,” the site says.

Every 2.7 per cent increase in travel flows would generate or bring back one million jobs in the sector. Harmonising the inconsistent patchwork of COVID-19 rules and travel advice in Europe could lead to an increase in travellers by as much as 27 per cent, recreating 10 million jobs in travel and tourism across Europe, the European Tourism Manifesto notes, citing the latest WTTC research.

“European travel and tourism is the ecosystem most affected by the coronavirus crisis due to insufficiently coordinated travel restrictions, declining traveller confidence and reduced consumer demand. The 2020 summer season was strongly impacted by this crisis, with traveller confidence reaching a record low.” the European Tourism Manifesto alliance said in statement published on Tuesday.

“We call on national governments to urgently approve the European Commission’s proposal and to:

• Establish common criteria and thresholds for determining epidemiological risk, including a common colour-coding system to identify risk areas. These criteria should be evaluated on a detailed regional level, considering relevant geographical factors (particularly islands).
• Implement common measures to put in place upon departure to and return from risk areas. These measures should be determined with sufficient detail and based on scientific evidence (as there is no reason to restrict travel to entire countries if only certain regions are affected), and comprise:

• Replacing the need for quarantine of travellers with comprehensive cost-effective testing and tracing
• Avoiding blanket restrictions to free movement by implementing more targeted measures which are limited in geographical scope
• Avoiding imposing travel restrictions on passengers in transit
• Agreeing on common rules for requesting pre-travel COVID-19 negative test results where needed
• Ensuring the interoperability of contact tracing apps in the EU and the harmonization of Passenger Locator Forms based on international standards.
• Follow a common structured and transparent process to publish clear, comprehensive and timely information about any travel restrictions where these are needed,” the statement said.

These proposals comprehend and expand on those of the EU Commission.

“While many Europeans were keen to travel again during the summer, the inconsistent and everchanging border restrictions along with confusion about quarantine and test requirements, caused frustration for both businesses and travellers, deterring booking and damaging materialisation for both leisure and business travel,” the statement concludes.

 

FOREIGN MINISTRY UPDATES ADVICE FOR TRAVEL ABROAD

 Cyprus Mail 8 September 2020 - by Annette Chrysostomou

People planning to travel abroad from Cyprus are advised to avoid non-essential travel to all countries except those in coronavirus categories A and B, according to the latest travel advice issued by the foreign ministry.

Countries currently in category A are:  Canada, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway and Thailand

Countries in category B are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lichtenstein, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Uruguay

“The classification of countries, based on the epidemiological risk assessment, is extremely dynamic and may change at any moment. You are therefore encouraged to check the travel advice regularly,” the ministry said in an announcement late on Monday afternoon.

Citizens of the Republic of Cyprus who are temporarily located or permanently reside in countries not in category A and B are advised to be cautious, to follow local and international media on the latest developments regarding Covid-19, to adhere to the relevant instructions of the country’s authorities including restrictions or guidance concerning Covid-19, to take measures to protect themselves, and to inform the accredited diplomatic mission of the Republic of their presence in the country.

Cypriots who are currently abroad, or intend to travel abroad for any reason, are encouraged to register on the website www.connect2cy@gov.cy.

Passengers intending to return to or arrive in Cyprus will be required to comply with the applicable process, register at https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy and meet the requirements for entry to Cyprus.

Relevant decrees, announcements, press releases and information published by the ministry of health and other authorities and services of the government are available at https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/

In accordance with current regulations, only Cypriot citizens, permanent residents of Cyprus or holders of a special entry permit are entitled to board direct flights from countries not in category A and B to Cyprus.

Contact details in case of an emergency:

• Diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus abroad:

Contact details for our Diplomatic Missions are available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa50_en/mfa50_en?OpenDocument

• Consular affairs department of the ministry of foreign affairs:

22-651113 8.30am to 3pm, Monday – Friday

• Duty officer of the ministry of foreign affairs:

99-660129 outside working hours*

• Crisis management department of the ministry:

+22-801000 8.30am to 3pm, Monday – Friday

* The Duty officer’s line is reachable outside office hours and is intended to provide assistance in emergency situations.

ITALY ORDERS CORONAVIRUS TESTS FOR ARRIVALS FROM FOUR COUNTRIES

 Reuters 12 August 2020

© Reuters/GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Rome

ROME (Reuters) - Italy ruled on Wednesday that people travelling from Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain must be tested for the coronavirus on arrival, as new infections increase in the four countries which are popular holiday destinations for Italians.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Facebook he had signed the new order, adding that anyone travelling from or through Colombia would not be allowed in Italy.

"We have to continue with a prudent approach to defend the results we've achieved thanks to the sacrifice we have all made in recent months," Speranza said.

Italy was the first country outside China to be badly hit by the disease, and has recorded more than 35,000 deaths since its outbreak came to light on Feb. 21.

The daily tally of new cases in Italy has accelerated over the last month, though less steeply than in numerous other European countries.

Some 481 new infections were registered on Wednesday, and 10 deaths, the Civil Protection Agency reported.

(Reporting By Gavin Jones; editing by Valentina Za)

CORONAVIRUS - TUI CANCELS ALL HOLIDAYS TO CYPRUS UNTIL AUGUST 23

 Cyprus Mail 12 August 2020 - by Evie Andreou

British tour and flight operator TUI announced on Wednesday that it was cancelling all holidays to Cyprus until August 23, citing the testing requirements imposed by the Cypriot authorities.

“Due to the local authorities in Cyprus implementing testing requirements, we have cancelled all holidays to Cyprus up to and including 22 August 2020,” the operator said in a brief statement.

It added that customers will be able to cancel and receive a full cash refund or amend their holiday and receive a booking incentive.

Similar announcements were issued by TUI for Morocco, Spain and Portugal. The company, citing UK Foreign Office advice, extended holiday cancellations up to and including August 28 for mainland Spain and Portugal and the Balearic and Canary Islands up to and including August 23.

“We know this is very disappointing for those looking forward to their well-deserved break. The health and safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority,” the company said.

Another tour and flight operator from the UK, Jet2, announced on Tuesday it would resume flights to Cyprus from August 17 citing “clear demand” from the British market.

Flights to Larnaca are scheduled to begin on August 17 and Paphos on August 18.

BRITISH AIRWAYS SET TO BE THE 'UK's FIRST AIRLINE TO CARRY OUT PRE-FLIGHT COVID-19 TESTS'

 The Mirror 12 August 2020 - by Rosaleen Fenton

© Getty Images British Airways could be the first European airline to offer the service

British Airways is reportedly set to become the first airline in Europe to offer passengers pre-flight coronavirus tests.

The carrier is said to be working with Boots, who will conduct the Covid-19 testing at a number of pharmacies across the UK.

The airline said that it was looking at all options to "make travel as safe and stress-free as possible for our customers in these unprecedented times."

This could see travellers having to take two coronavirus tests - one before flying with BA and another when they arrive at their destination, if the country requires it.

Sources talking to travel blog God Save The Points said training for Boots colleagues will begin next week.

More airlines could follow suit in a bid to restore confidence among travellers.

Emirates Airline previously introduced the service in March - alongside insurance for all travellers valid for 31 days from the day they travel which covers them if they catch coronavirus.

Globally, the aviation industry is feeling the financial hit following months of lockdown and cancelled flights.

All airlines now require passengers to wear a mask at the airport and on board the plane - apart from those with medical exemptions.

Brits travelling to France face even stricter measures with the government requiring passengers to wear surgical masks.

Two travellers flying with easyJet have said they were not allowed to board due to wearing reusable mask, before fellow passengers supplied some.

A British Airways spokeswoman said: "British Airways is not making pre-flight testing mandatory for all customers.  

"We are currently discussing the possibility of helping our customers access pre-flight testing through third parties if their destination requires this, however no plans have been finalised. We will share more in due course.

"We are doing everything we can to make travel as safe and stress-free as possible for our customers in these unprecedented times."

Nearly three million travel and ­tourism jobs in the UK travel and tourism sector could be lost — while the economy is close to losing £142billion from the sector.

The World Travel & Tourism Council has said rapid coronavirus testing at airports could help save jobs and stop the need for blanket travel bans.

A spokeswoman said: “WTTC is calling upon Governments around the world to begin a substantial programme of investment to ensure comprehensive testing facilities are implemented at airports, which will help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and see the return of safe travels.

"It is imperative that all airports, catering for international travel, implement globally recognised testing standards for both inbound and outbound passengers.

"This will provide reassurance to all travellers, maintain ‘air corridors’ between countries, and remove damage and disruption caused by blunt quarantines which massively impact the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector.”

CYPRUS MOVES POLAND TO CATEGORY B FROM A ON ITS GREEN LIST [wef 14/8]

 in-cyprus 12 August 2020 - by Annie Charalambous

Cyprus has moved Poland to category B from category A and Portugal to Category B from C as regards the classification of countries based on their epidemiological risk, according to a Health Ministry announcement.

The new classification is valid as of August 14, and this means that all passengers from Category B need to show a COVID-19 negative test done 72 hours prior to their departure for Cyprus.

Cyprus citizens and their spouses, citizens with legal residency in the country and passengers who fall under the Vienna Convention category can be tested at the airport upon their arrival.

Passengers who cannot be tested at the countries of their origin because a Covid-19 test is not provided at labs, can also be tested in Cyprus.

All these passengers bear the cost of the test and have to be in isolation until the results are out.

(CNA)

WIZZ AIR SAYS SORRY TO PASSENGERS TURNED AWAY FROM ATHENS FLIGHT FOR MISSING OUT OPTIONAL MIDDLE INITIAL

 The Independent 11 August 2020 - by Simon Calder

© Provided by The Independent

Wizz Air has apologised to passengers who were turned away from an Athens-bound flight for perceived flaws on the Greek “passenger locator form” (PLF).

Twenty-eight passengers were offloaded from the airline’s flight W9 4467 from Luton to Athens on Thursday 6 August.

Some were denied boarding by ground staff because they had not included a middle initial when completing the online form.

But the instructions for the form, which was introduced by Greece when it reopened borders for the summer, make it clear that the middle initial is optional.

Harry Young and his partner spent over £600 on alternative transportation after being refused boarding at Luton.

Under European air passengers’ rights rules, airlines need not pay compensation or offer refunds if they present themselves with “inadequate travel documentation”.

Initially a spokesperson for Wizz Air told The Independent: “Passengers who do not complete the form or do so incorrectly will be refused carriage, and are not entitled to compensation.”

The carrier said that missing middle names would result in offloading.

But the Budapest-based airline has now “established that passengers travelling to Greece are not required to include a middle name on their passenger locator form”.

The spokesperson said: “As a matter of priority, the airline is investigating whether any passengers were wrongfully denied carriage on the W9 4467 flight as a result of not including a middle name on their PLF, despite correctly completing the rest of the form.

“Should there be any affected passengers, Wizz Air will contact them directly to apologise and offer the relevant compensation, as well as the options of rebooking or refunding their ticket.”

Such travellers are due €400 (£360) in statutory compensation under the air passengers’ rights rules, known as EU261.

In addition, the carrier is liable for additional costs for alternative flights.

Mr Young said: “Our form was correct, we had it on time, we had checked in to the flight, the rest of our party were able to travel.

“It was simply one check-in woman was having a bad day.”

Many other travellers on a wide range of airlines have faced problems since the PLF was introduced.

Issues include listing family members and the late receipt of the "QR code" granting permission, which is supposed to be emailed at midnight on the day of departure.

The Greek Embassy in London has not yet responded to enquiries from The Independent about the scheme.

GREECE IMPOSES BAR AND RESTAURANT CURFEW AS COUNTRY HIT BY SECOND WAVE

 Evening Standard 11 August 2020 by Emily Lawford

© Provided by Evening Standard

Greece has imposed a curfew on bars and restaurants in its popular holiday destinations as the country faces a "second wave" of coronavirus.

Bars and restaurants must now be closed between midnight and 7am in the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Kos, Crete, Rhodes, and Zakynthos, as well as several mainland cities, government spokesperson Aristotelia Peloni said.

Greece recorded 203 positive Covid-19 test results on Sunday, its highest number since the pandemic began.

The Greek health minister, Vassilis Kikilias, said virus transmission was “rising dangerously”.

Greece’s main concern was “the degree to which this epidemic can stretch any health system”, Mr Kikilias said. “No health system, anywhere in the world, can cope effectively with a full epidemic resurgence.”

The restrictions will remain in place from Tuesday until Sunday, August 23.

The cities of Thessaloniki, Larisi, Volos and Katerini, and the Halkidiki peninsula will also be subject to the curfew.

The Greek government also announced new restrictions for people entering the country.

From August 17, all passengers arriving in the country from Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the Czech Republic must provide a negative Covid-19 test result from the past three days.

The government also announced that only 750 people a day will be allowed to enter the country from Albania from August 16.

Greece is currently exempt from quarantine rules in England.

Gkikas Magiorkinis, an assistant professor of hygiene and epidemiology at Athens University and infectious disease expert, said Greece had reached a critical juncture in its ability to contain the virus.

“We can say that Greece has formally entered a second wave of the epidemic. This is the point that we could win or lose the battle,” he said, adding that without intervention cases could surge to 350 a day.

He said the recent rise in virus transmission was partly due to tourism, but mostly because of lax observance of hygiene protocols by Greeks, especially younger people who flood bars and beaches in summer.

CORONAVIRUS - CRUISE SHIPS HAVE STARTED CANCELLING 2021 HOLIDAYS

 The Independent 11 August 2020 - by Qin Xie

© Provided by The Independent

Cruise companies around the world have started cancelling 2021 holidays as a result of coronavirus.

Smaller, charter cruise firms were among the first to start cancelling 2021 sailings last month but now bigger lines have joined their ranks.

Seabourn, the ultra-luxury line owned by the Carnival Corporation has cancelled upcoming sailings on three of its vessels.

Trips on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation will be cancelled up to 25 November 2020 and 20 December 2020 respectively. But trips on Seabourn Sojourn, which offers the company's World Cruise experience, will be cancelled until 24 May 2021.

The company said that "the decision to cancel additional voyages is a proactive action to deal with the circumstances continuing to evolve from the global response to the COVID-19 situation".

Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn, said: “We’ve been saying for some time that our resumption of service will come gradually, and this action reflects that discussion. The health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the people in destinations we visit remain a top priority.

“Like many who watch the travel industry, we are encouraged by the signs emerging around the world that point to travel’s progress toward return. When our expert science and medical advisors and our destinations support the ability to resume travel on Seabourn, we’ll be ready.”

Guests on affected sailings will be refunded, with the exception of those who have booked the World Cruise experience, which will be postponed until 2022.

UK based P&O cruises, which is also owned by Carnival Corporation, has extended its cancellations as well.

All of its trips will be cancelled up to 12 November 2020. However, Aurora’s Caribbean and South America Adventure and Arcadia’s World Cruise holidays, which are longer itineraries, have been cancelled up to March 2021.

In a statement, the company said: "We have acknowledged the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidance and extended our pause in operations by a further month. It is clear that whilst the guidance is in place, it’s not advisable for us to resume sailing."

Affected customers will be offered refunds.

The FCO continues to advise against travelling on cruises, although several lines have restarted or are restarting holidays.

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/WRqIF43B-QoL8Kre2.html

Cruise virus risks: when to travel to minimise them

Last week, Hurtigruten, the Norwegian shipping line, was forced to stop expedition cruises after 36 crew members and “several guests” aboard the Roald Amundsen tested positive for Covid-19.

The firm’s chief executive, Daniel Skjeldam, said: “The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is Hurtigruten’s number one priority.

“We are now focusing all available efforts in taking care of our guests and colleagues. We are working closely with the Norwegian national and local health authorities for follow-up, information, further testing and infection-tracking.

“In light of the recent increase in new cases of Covid-19 globally, the only responsible choice is to suspend all expedition sailings until we are absolutely confident we can carry out our operations in line with all requirements from the authorities and with the even stricter requirements we have set for ourselves.”

JET2 - FLIGHTS TO CYPRUS FROM EIGHT UK AIRPORTS

 Filenews 11 August 2020

Next week, British Jet2 will resume flights from Britain to Cyprus, which had suspended its programme at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

On 30 July the company had announced that it had "no choice" but to cancel travel to Cyprus until 17 August due to "prohibitive entry restrictions" to the country, referring to the obligation to negative diagnostic tests and complete documents required by visitors from Britain.

From next week Larnaca and Paphos will be served by Jet2 flights from Birmingham, East Midlands (Derby), Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Stansted, London, Manchester and Newcastle airports.

The company has reported an increase in interest in Cyprus in recent weeks.

Jet2 managing director Steve Hippie said: "We are delighted to resume our flights and holiday schedule in Cyprus from 17 August and looking at the demand it is very clear how much our customers are looking forward to the holidays they deserve in the Cypriot sunshine."

Mr Hippie added that there is a wide selection of flights and holiday packages to Cyprus from Jet2's eight UK bases, as well as "fantastic" offers.

He acknowledged that this year's great uncertainty has created challenges, but assured Jet2 customers that great attention has been paid to the preparation of the company's holiday packages.

Eyenews/AFP

GREEK AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCE FURTHER COVID-19 CONTAINMENT MEASURES

in-cyprus 11 August 2020  - by Annie Charalambous

Greece seems to have ‘formally’ entered its second wave of the coronavirus pandemic with Health Minister Vasillis Kikilias announcing further containment measures late on Monday.

“Transmission of the virus is growing dangerously,” Kikilias warned after the country recorded its highest number of positive diagnoses ever, a record 203 cases on Sunday.

In the island of Poros, alone, a surge in cases late last week prompted authorities to announce an unprecedented crackdown including the closures of clubs, bars and restaurants from 11pm.

The new measures mainly affect travelling from certain countries, operations hours in the catering sector in several regional units, as well as cultural and other events such a concerts.

Until this month, Greek health officials appeared to have the epidemic under control.

But compounded by a sudden jump in the number requiring incubation, up from nine on 1 August to 22 on Monday evening, left no doubt that the highly contagious disease was working its way through society.

  

WIZZ AIR PASSENGERS HEADING TO GREECE LOSE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS FOR FAILING TO INCLUDE MIDDLE INITIAL ON ONLINE FORM

 The Independent 10 August 2020 - by Simon Calder

© Provided by Independent Digital News & Media Limited

Wizz Air has warned passengers that if they fail to add a middle initial on the “passenger locator form” (PLF) for Greece, they will be denied boarding.

Since Greece opened its frontiers to tourists in July, prospective visitors must complete the form ahead of travel. They are then sent a confirmation email at midnight on the day of departure which they must show at the airport and on arrival.

But many passengers checking in for flights have been turned away because of flaws in their applications.

On Thursday 8 July, Wizz Air offloaded 28 passengers – about one in six – from a Luton-Athens flight because of what the airline says was failure to comply.

Harry Young and his partner were among them – and ended up spending over £600 to reach their friends in Greece. He told The Independent: “We had filled out our Greek PLF forms correctly and for the correct date a few days before.

“The middle name was optional on this form when entering details. I didn’t enter mine and nor did my partner.

“We were stopped due to not having a middle name on our PLF forms. We were sent to a supervisor and manager who were not helpful at all.

“They were insistent we were in the wrong and would not listen to any passenger – even after showing them on my phone, a new form where it clearly said the middle name was optional.”

Mr Young and his partner spent £100 on a taxi to Heathrow and over £500 on one-way flights on British Airways to Athens.

The airline insists the couple are in the wrong.

A spokesperson said: “Wizz Air confirms that 28 passengers who were due to fly from London Luton to Athens were offloaded from the W9 4467 flight as a result of having no Passenger Locator Form (PLF), mistakes on their form, or insufficient detail on their form, such as missing middle names.

“Wizz Air reminds passengers that it is their responsibility to complete a PLF with all the necessary information to be allowed to fly to Greece.

“Passengers who do not complete the form or do so incorrectly will be refused carriage, and are not entitled to compensation.”

The additional costs for the rejected passengers run into thousands of pounds.

Under European air passengers’ rights rules, travellers who are correctly documented but are denied boarding are entitled to €400 in cash compensation, in addition to recompense of related costs.

Greece has proved very popular among British holidaymakers in August because of low levels of coronavirus and exemption from the need to quarantine on return to the UK.

VIRUS-LINKED BORDER MOVES RAISE FEARS ON FREE TRAVEL IN EU

 Associated Press 10 August 2020 - By LORNE COOK, Associated Press

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Monday, April 6, 2020 file photo, police perform checks on commercial and passenger traffic on the Dutch-Belgian border, during a partial lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Meer, Belgium. As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a "second wave" of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of goods and people: a foundation stone that the world's biggest trading bloc is built on. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

BRUSSELS (AP) — As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a “second wave” of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of goods and people — a foundation that the world’s biggest trading bloc is built on.

Despite repeated warnings about the dangers of unannounced checks, some countries have imposed new restrictions, or demanded that travelers quarantine, recalling the panic border closures after Europe’s first outbreak emerged in Italy in February, blocking traffic and medical equipment.

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Tuesday, March 17, 2020 file photo, trucks stuck in a traffic jams for 60 kilometers (36 miles) on the Lithuanian side of the border to enter Poland in Vilnius, Lithuania. As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a "second wave" of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of goods and people: a foundation stone that the world's biggest trading bloc is built on. (AP Photo/Saulius Zaura, File)

Beyond the economic impact of uncoordinated measures, experts fear that countries are becoming so used to lowering the gates at their frontiers as they see fit that the future of Europe’s ID-check free travel zone known as the Schengen area is in real peril.

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Monday, July 6, 2020 file photo, cars queue at the Promahonas border crossing with Bulgaria. As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a "second wave" of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of goods and people: a foundation stone that the world's biggest trading bloc is built on. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos, File)

In a letter to national governments, seen by The Associated Press, the European Commission warns that “while we must ensure that the EU is ready for possible resurgences of COVID-19 cases ... we should at the same time avoid a second wave of uncoordinated actions at the internal borders of the EU.”

“The re-establishment of ineffective restrictions and internal border controls must be avoided. Rather, the response should be to have targeted, proportionate and coordinated measures, informed by scientific evidence,” said the letter, sent to the 27 EU member countries and Britain.

Belgium — where EU headquarters are based — does not allow travel to some regions in Spain, notably Catalonia in the north, and also has bans on people coming from parts of France, Britain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Romania and Switzerland.

Scandinavian nations are notably quick to react to any rise in infection rates. Denmark’s foreign ministry now has Spain, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Romania and Andorra on its so-called red list. Norway, which is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen area, has not hesitated either.

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Sunday, May 17, 2020 file photo, people gather at the border crossing at Saed, Denmark, to attend a demonstration to open the border between Denmark and Germany. As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a "second wave" of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of goods and people: a foundation stone that the world's biggest trading bloc is built on. (Claus Fisker/Ritzau Scanpix via AP, File)

“Unfortunately, developments in several European countries are not moving in the right direction,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soereide said. She says that people arriving from France, Monaco, Switzerland and the Czech Republic must now self-quarantine for 10 days.

The use of compulsory COVID-19 testing is also growing. Germany is testing people arriving from high-risk areas, including parts of Bulgaria and Romania, which are EU partners but not members of the Schengen area. Greece and Italy are taking similar steps for the two countries.

But it’s the constant tinkering with travel restrictions that is of greatest concern. EU governments can impose border restrictions for reasons of public security — including health concerns — as they see fit. However, the measures should be targeted and limited in time, and governments should warn of their plans.

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Monday, June 15, 2020 file photo, cars drive to Belgium at the French-Belgium border in Le Bizet, northern France. As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a "second wave" of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of goods and people: a foundation stone that the world's biggest trading bloc is built on. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler, File)

Since 2015, the Schengen rules have been routinely flouted, mostly due to distrust among European countries who doubted that their partners would do the right thing. First some countries relied on closures to help cope with the arrival of hundreds of thousands of migrants, many fleeing conflict in Syria or Iraq, seeking better lives in northern Europe. Some of those restrictions are still in place.

The big challenge to Schengen these days is the coronavirus pandemic.

“Scenes of backed-up borders and checkpoints would have been unthinkable just five years ago. Yet today, the unilateral reintroduction of border checks and border closures has become an accepted part of member states’ toolkits to respond to cross-border emergencies,” according to the Migration Policy Institute.

© Provided by Associated Press In this Wednesday, July 1, 2020 file photo, from left to right, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Spain's King Felipe VI, Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa during a ceremony to mark the reopening of the Portugal-Spain border in Elvas, Portugal. As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a "second wave" of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of goods and people: a foundation stone that the world's biggest trading bloc is built on. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)

A side-effect of the virus border restrictions — which might be welcomed by countries such as Austria, Denmark, Hungary or Poland that are still worried about migrant arrivals — is that the number of people applying for asylum also plummeted.

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Monday, June 15, 2020 file photo, French gendarmes approach a car at the Saint-Ludovic border check point on the Franco-Italian border in Menton, France. As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a "second wave" of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of goods and people: a foundation stone that the world's biggest trading bloc is built on. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

The danger, the institute said, is that “the instinct to return to national borders at times of crisis may only grow stronger, particularly as second or third waves of the virus necessitate the reintroduction of some level of travel restrictions.”

___

Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen contributed to this report.